General Manager

About CodeNode

CodeNode is a conference and events venue in the heart of London, hosting conferences, corporate events, exhibitions and hackathons. With space for up to 400 guests, flexible event rooms and an in-house audiovisual team, we help clients deliver engaging, well-run events.

CodeNode is part of Trifork, an international technology company specialising in software development and digital transformation, and the organisation behind the GOTO conference series. CodeNode operates as a business unit within Trifork, supported by the wider Group's resources and expertise.

The role

The General Manager is CodeNode’s senior leader, accountable for the venue’s commercial, financial and operational performance.

Leading the sales, events, audiovisual and facilities functions, you will set the direction for the business, develop the team and ensure that CodeNode delivers excellent client experiences while improving profitability.

You will have the autonomy to manage the venue within agreed group objectives and delegated authority, drawing on wider group support for finance, HR, IT and marketing. The role requires strategic judgement alongside a visible, practical leadership presence on site.

Key responsibilities

• Business strategy and financial performance
• Set and deliver CodeNode’s business plan, identifying priorities for revenue growth, profitability and longer-term development.

• Own the venue’s budget, forecasts and profit and loss performance, taking action to address variances and manage commercial risks.
• Make decisions on pricing, expenditure, supplier agreements and resource allocation within delegated authority.

• Oversee cash flow and financial controls with support from group finance.
• Evaluate investment opportunities and present business cases for venue improvements, equipment and new services.

• Report business performance, opportunities and material risks to group leadership.

Commercial leadership and client experience

• Lead the sales function, setting targets and overseeing pipeline performance, pricing strategy and business development.
• Develop CodeNode’s market position and service offering in collaboration with the team and marketing support.

• Build and maintain key client and partner relationships, supporting major opportunities and negotiations.
• Set service standards across the client journey, ensuring commitments made during the sales process translate into successful event delivery.

• Use client feedback, booking trends and market insight to improve the offer and encourage repeat business.

Operational leadership

• Hold department leads accountable for effective event delivery, technical services and venue management.
• Ensure staffing, equipment and supplier arrangements support business demand and agreed service standards.

• Maintain effective coordination between departments, with clear responsibilities, handovers and escalation routes.
• Oversee the condition, functionality and development of the venue, working with facilities, the landlord and specialist contractors.

• Lead the response to significant operational issues, client escalations and business continuity events.

People and organisational leadership

• Establish clear objectives, responsibilities and decision-making authority across the team.
• Manage and develop direct reports through regular feedback, coaching and performance reviews.

• Plan recruitment, succession and skills development to meet the needs of the business.
• Build a culture of accountability, collaboration and high standards.

• Lead organisational change and manage employee matters with support from group HR.
• Represent CodeNode within the wider group and ensure effective use of shared support functions.

Governance, systems and sustainability

• Maintain oversight of health and safety, licensing, accessibility, data protection and other relevant obligations, ensuring responsibilities and specialist support are in place.
• Ensure business systems, IT support and internal controls meet the venue’s operational and reporting needs.

• Sponsor improvements to processes and systems that strengthen efficiency, visibility and decision-making.
• Maintain management oversight of CodeNode’s ISO 14001 environmental management system and sustainability objectives.

• Ensure significant compliance, operational and financial risks are identified, managed and escalated appropriately.

Person specification

Essential

• Senior management experience in a conference venue, events business, hospitality operation or comparable service business.
• Demonstrable responsibility for business performance, including budgets, forecasting and profit and loss management.

• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and developing managers.
• Strong commercial judgement, including sales leadership, pricing and negotiation.

• A sound understanding of venue operations, event delivery and client expectations.
• The ability to turn business objectives into clear priorities and hold teams accountable for results.

• Confidence making decisions, managing change and resolving complex issues.
• Strong relationship-building skills, with the credibility to represent the business to clients, partners and group leadership.

• A visible leadership approach and willingness to work primarily on site, with flexibility around event requirements if needed.

Desirable

• Experience in a conference or corporate events venue with in-house audiovisual services.
• Experience working within a wider corporate group.

• Familiarity with facilities management, venue investment and environmental management systems.
• Experience improving business systems and operational processes.

Measures of success

• Delivery against agreed revenue, profitability and budget targets.
• A strong sales pipeline and sustained repeat business.

• Consistent event quality and client satisfaction.
• Effective leadership, team development and staff retention.

• A well-maintained, compliant venue and demonstrable operational improvements.